Friday, August 17, 2012

Pencil Skirts and Sequin Top

Pencil skirts are what J.Crew does the best. Or used to do the best :(

Last year I missed out on Heather Acorn wool double serge pencil and I was happy to see that they have brought it back, so I can finally get it. But as soon as the skirts appeared online, reports from the JCAs confirmed that the quality of this year's skirts was declining and that the fabric that was used was not the same as last year.

This really saddened me because that was a staple that I relied on. I already preferred the fit of the pre 2010 skirts, with fully fashioned waistband instead of gross grain ribbon, but I was willing to live with that. But if the fabric was not the same I will not be able to justify the price.

When I saw the skirts hanging in my store I decided to try them on myself. Here is my take:

Size 4

Unfortunately, I can only confirm what I have feared, the fabric quality is indeed worse. It is not very significant to my untrained eye, but it is a little bit less plush and smooth. I think because of it the fit is also a little bit off and the skirt just seemed very blah on me. It may be the color, that is not very exciting per se, but the skirt looked rather dowdy, imo.

It looks OK in the pictures and maybe I was just generally skeptical and prejudiced after reading other reviews. But nothing got me excited about this skirt. It was more like 'OK, it is a pencil skirt. Yawn.' Definitely, no 'feeling', like Gigi says.

But honestly, I might have been my attitude. The difference is subtle, at least in this color. I am not sure how I would feel if this was a first pencil skirt I tried from J.crew.

Or, looking at it the other way, maybe it was just a lack of crewlade? I was not conditioned to think this is a great skirt and I saw it for what it is. Maybe my other skirts are also blah sans colors? What do you think?

For now, this skirt is off my list.

***

This sequin tank caught my attention immediately. Partly because it was hung by the entrance to the store, but I also think the colors are striking and unusual for a sequined garment.

I still love the colorblock and the colors of this tank are beautiful. It is deep brownish burgundy and black, very pretty combination. The sequins are not round but thinner and longer in length. It fits TTS, I tried on my regular size (it was either Medium or 6, not sure) and it was a good fit. It would be a great top to wear with black slacks or jeans to go out. As you can see from the pictures, it also works with tan/camel shades. It would work with a skirt, but somehow I think pants seem better with it.

$148

If I needed a sequin top, I would consider it, but I already have more
sequins that I'll ever need. The sequins always feel itchy on me
and this was not exception but I admit I have a low tolerance level. It was not not as itchy as the Zigzag dress though.

***

This is the pencil skirt I saw the other day in the display window but did not get a chance to photograph. I thought it was wool/silk but it is in fact a cotton/silk brocade.

Size 4

It fits TTS, same fit like other pencil skirts. The colors are interesting and you can pair it with blues, greens, mustard, browns and pinks. There are a lot of possibilities here. It is a good winter color mix, rich and deep and opulent. If you don't mind a little over the top this is may be a skirt for you.

55% cotton, 31% silk, 14% metallic

The fabric has not much give and it has some kind of coating that felt a
little plastic-ey to me. I was not a fan. The print is pretty but
somehow it did not speak to me, I felt like it was too dark.

Another issue is a wearability of it. It is a fancy skirt and I don't
think you can easily wear it in a casual way. I could not
wear it to the office. It could go to a fancy dinner or a special occasion
that does not call for a dress. For me, personally, the uses are very
limited.

I am not considering it, especially that I already have a similar skirt from a couple of years ago, and while I think
it is a beautiful skirt and I love the print and workmanship much more, I
have only worn it twice.

***

That's all folks!

Do you like the brocade skirt or a sequined tank?

Are you upset about declining quality of wool double serge skirts or do you think we exaggerate?

29 comments:

Thanks for the reviews. I really like the sequin tank. The rectangle shape of the sequins is different - and very appealing to me. I have never bought a sequin tank, so this might be the one-though the itch factor is something that could be a deal breaker.

I too am done with the quality and pricing of their skirts. Plus, I have pencil skirts in my closet from last fall I hardly wore. Wont' be spending another dime on another one but I too needed a camel color. I think instead I'll opt for the color in a pant. I love the sequin tank and the colors are wonderful. I have more sequins than I need as well but this one may have to be added.

I think it's so sad that quality is declining especially since it costs me even more than everyone else, I'll have to be really careful about what I buy now, prices come out the same as Tory Burch or Kate Spade for me here, so might need to go there for my American fix.

Tabs Kate Spade has a gorgeous new mini-collection of black and white with touches of gold. Same price for you as J Crew? The quality is much better!I have found TB hit and miss. I have one dress I love, but everything else I've ordered I've returned due to hot mess-threads-rips etc.

I also agree with TB quality on dresses is horrible .The cheapest fabric and horrible workmanship. The shoes and bags are great. Did you know that Kate Spade is coming out with a weekend line next year for casual wear. All of my Kate has lasted and the quality is much better.

You're right, the other pencils you own and have featured in blog posts do fit better. The new pencil does not skim the body in the same way. :^(

Burgundy and black is a combination I will be trying this fall, it is dark but quite pretty together. The rectangular sequins are neat but like you, I have more sequins than I'll ever need in my closet already.

Just my $.02 on the camel skirt. I am very picky about my clothing and I still think the serge skirts are a wonderful thing.

I currently own about 15 garments out of the double serge with my Maggie jackets, pencils, sterling skirt, Tuesday peacoat and flair skirts. The fabric in some colors is much better than others and always has been with some colors being more fuzzy, thinner and more scratchy.

My 2008 black pencil and 2009 black Maggie felt like brillo pads and have moved on because they made me itch. My navy Tuesday and 2009 plum skirt pilled a bit, and my charcoal sterling skirt from last year looks, not exactly pilled but way too fuzzy after one year of heavy wear.

My 2012 festival blue skirt is magnificent and looks just as good as my veridian green and bright flame from last year and I have already ordered the new Sterling in maple to try for myself.

This skirt is just blah, IMO. Although I love my heather acorn flair skirt, I purchased last year's and this year's model of the pencil in heather acorn and both were returned because I just wasn't dying to run right out in them.

I completely agree with you about the skirts. I didn't see a huge difference between this year's skirt (in the colours I've seen) and last year's, even after a side-by-side comparison. I actually found the fabric on this year's Festival Blue to be slightly nicer than last year's Jazzy Purple.

However, I haven't seen the 2012 Heather Acorn skirt in person, so perhaps that is one of the "bad" colours this year?

Yes, it is a clear crisp cobalt blue. I plan on wearing it with grey and navy as have not liked it at all with the colors I have tried. There is a tone on tone cobalt outfit in the new Real Simple that I like and I may do something like that with it. You and have similar coloring and end up buying many of the exact same items, so I think the blue is worth a look.

The camel is just "off." I think it works in the flair skirt (my favorite purchase from last fall) for me because the "meh" expanse of beige skirt is broken by the line of dark buttons. If you are still liking the color and run across the flair, it might be worth a try.

I can not comment about the pencil skirt, bc they are not a good fit for me, but I concur with you about the brocade print. It could have been gorgeous, but it was too much of everything. Thanks again for your thorough reviews!

I think the new pencil looks much worse in the photo. I have the heather acorn from last year and the wool is definitely thicker. I'm glad I bought it I have to say, I won't be buying any more from J Crew!The brocade skirt is attractive and a very flattering fit on you but I get what you mean: limited wear for certain. I like the sequin tank, what a pretty color combination!

I don't think we exaggerate the declining quality, and it's not like J Crew is asking for LESS money for their clothing. So come on guys! I think that they have a limited time to turn the situation around, word is on the street that the fabrics aren't what they used to be, even wandering around the store I am very uninspired. My Dad was with me in Atlanta at the big J Crew, I showed him a couple of items ( Liberty shirts, sweaters) and he couldn't believe the prices for what the garments were. He thought it was insanity, and this is a man who has always bought expensive clothes. Made me step back a little I have to say!

I am blown away by the prices on the Liberty shirts. I really can't believe they are asking $150 for a shirt that was selling for $118 a couple of years ago. I certainly don't think they are well enough made to justify the cost. I love the Thomas Mason fabric, but the side seams in the shirts should not be serged for the price they are charging.

AJC - THANKS so much for the reviews! Brocade is off the list now - if I am getting an over-the-top-party-skirt - I am going with the collection cheetah, which I think will be elegant with a beautiful white blouse and nice simple jewellry!

I, too, am disappointed in the pencil skirt quality. I am going to have to look around a bit this fall, too....

I love the sequin top - it looks amazing on you and I think this could be something I buy for into the fall and winter!!

Thanks ajc once again for your great reviews. How completely disappointing that they are cheaping out on the double-serge pencil skirts now. The one piece I could count on! I still can't believe they changed the Sterling! Honestly, I did like the look of several pieces this rollout, but I'm not blindly rushiing out to buy anything anymore, knowing the quality issues they're having.

The sequin top looks really pretty and the color combo is rich and lovely. It's too dressy for my needs this year, but I think it's a nice piece.

Thanks for the reviews. Too bad about the pencil skirts. I hadn't really planned on purchasing one this year as i've found i don't wear them very much in the winter. There is one hanging in my closet right now with tags still attached. I have never been a fan of the heather acorn as it washes me out and look rather frumpy. I do better with a true camel.

I quite like the brocade skirt, but probably will pass on it as i have enough elaborate skirts. It looks great on you.

Everyone talks about how the sequins are itchy. It's the threading most likely. Normally you find these kinds of pieces lined. In fact, i have one from J.Crew from years ago, and it's lined. J.Crew has definitely been taking short cuts.

Lol @ the feeling. I really like the sequin colorblock top on you, but hear you on not 'needing' one. I think you can do the acorn pencil. I see a black turtleneck with it. The red Valentinas would look good w/it, too.